Moise

Mamo

Hi, I am Moise and I run an organic pineapple plantation in the “Banoua lagoon region” in the southern part of the Ivory Coast. This beautiful area is where most of the pineapples are grown. We would like to thank you for buying our pineapples.

Our story starts with some very old palm trees. These trees were milked in order to provide a special juice (Bangui) which is very popular in this community. Unfortunately, the palms were neglected and died and that provided us with an opportunity to start growing pineapple plants and new young palm trees.

I am particularly proud of the fact that we are showing that sustainable social agriculture is the way forward and of course that our organic “Bonoua” pineapples taste so great !

Why did you choose to go organic ?The main reason why we chose to go organic were 1. Health .. that of the consumer and everyone working in the fields and 2. Because we are extremely motivated to show that sustainable social agriculture is the way forward in this region.

What were the biggest challenges?The two main challenges were adapting our methods and attaining the official organic certification. It was very tough and that is why we are so proud that we succeeded first time round !

What do you like about your work ?Supplying fruits that meet the demands of our customers

What are the advantages of organic agriculture ?Apart from the health benefits the main advantage is that this form of agriculture protects the biodiversity and offers a long term sustainable business partnership whereby everyone wins.

Sustainability flower

Tabs

soil

Soil is arguably one of the earth’s most important – yet often neglected – natural resources. It is essential for life on earth because it nurtures plants, which in turn provide food and oxygen for humans and animals. A healthy soil is the basis for any sustainable development in agriculture and, managed in the right way serves as a remarkable solution to various environmental threats such as water scarcity, climate change, food security.

In the nonproductive areas (without pineapple plants) we sow the crotalaria plant. This is a wonderful, tropical legume that suppresses nematodes, resists drought and is known for the fact that it can fix high levels of nitrogen into the soil. Also, the fact that we do not use harmful agricultural chemicals means that we are directly protecting soil life. Furthermore, Mamo also rotates crops like cassava, palm trees and potatoes to ensure the soil quality remains in order.

biodiversity

While organic farming regulation does not specify what practices should be used to contribute to the management and maintenance of the natural environment, voluntary practices followed by growers such as Mamo are having a positive effect on the local flora and consequently fauna. Moise for example has wild areas and hedges to stimulate the biodiversity on his farm.

individual

When we look at health we do not only want to focus on how healthy an organic pineapple is also pay attention to the working conditions of our employees. Working on an organic farm means that the workers are not confronted with agricultural chemicals and that is great news for their health. When it comes to your health, pineapples are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. It also contains vitamin B1, vitamin B6, copper and dietary fiber. Furthermore, pineapples also contain high levels of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, which has a wide range of health benefits.

society

We see our employees as individuals and every single one has direct access to the management. Everyone has a written contract and we train our employees not only when the join us but also throughout the period they work here. Furthermore freedom of religion is very important and therefore we promote secularism in the group. When it comes to housing we are currently working on a plan to make sure everyone has a decent place to live.

climate

As with all fruits, when it comes to energy, pineapple plants rely on mother nature. Therefore in farming the dominant energy inputs are indirect and come from for the manufacture and transport of fertilisers (specifically nitrogen) and pesticides. Depending on the crop these can account for as much as 80% of the energy input. Since Mamo farms organically and therefore does not use chemical fertilisers, pesticides or other agro chemicals, it therefore comes as no surprise that his organic pineapples are considerably more energy efficient than their non-organic counterparts.

All the pineapples are imported by ship.

water

Organic farmers around the world typically regard water not just as an input into the agricultural cycle, but as a vital resource that must be protected and enhanced through careful management. It goes without saying that farmers like Moise use water with great care because they know how vital careful use can be to the successful growth of pineapples.